The Five Most Iconic Things Found in Fort Collins

I was in search of 5 things that really define Fort Collins. I want you to look at a picture and instantly know you are in Fort Collins. The list could have been even longer but these are the top 5 "Most Iconic Things Found in Fort Collins":

5. The Fort Collins Trolley

Todd Harding, TSM

The Fort Collins Municipal Railway is a green and gold trolley that runs back and forth on Mountain Avenue in Old Town. The Fort Collins Trolley operates Car 21 noon to 5 P.M. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays May through September. You can catch the trolley at City Park, the west end of the line, adjacent to the tennis courts; the street car stop at Shields; the street car stop at Loomis; or the east end of the line at Howes St.

4. The Fountain at Old Town Square

Jenny Harding, For TSM

Old Town Square was built in 1985 and has undergone some changes over the past few years, but one thing that stayed is the iconic fountain that features a flock of geese flying overhead. It was just moved a little bit. It's still one of the most iconic spots in Fort Collins.

3. The Coca Cola Sign at Coopersmith's

Todd Harding, TSM

The Coca-Cola sign on the east side of Coopersmith's Pub & Brewery is certainly one of the most photographed spots in Fort Collins. This "Ghost Sign" is an advertisement from 1958. It was painted by local sign painter Dan Brown, who received $400 for the job. It was restored about 6 years ago.

2. Horsetooth Rock

Jenny Harding, For TSM

Horsetooth Rock is certainly associated with Fort Collins. It is situated just to the west of Horsetooth reservoir and is the centerpiece for Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. You can pretty much see it from anywhere in town. You haven't really done Fort Collins until you have climbed to the top of Horsetooth Rock, which supposedly looks like a horses tooth. It is a fairly easy climb. Heck, I even made it to the top. (Proof in the picture above!)

1. The Aggies A

Jenny Harding, For TSM

Since 1923, the "A" has been painted on the foothills on the west side of Hughes stadium, which no longer exists. My wife and I even helped paint it last year. The "A" stands for Aggies, Colorado State University's (formerly Colorado A&M) mascot until 1957. It is easily the most iconic and most recognizable landmark in Fort Collins.

Honorable Mention

The Poudre River almost made my list, but I couldn't find a picture that you could automatically identify as being the Poudre. Other things that almost made the list: The CSU Oval, The Northern Hotel, The Silver Grille, The Budweiser Brewery, The Aggie Theater and New Belgium Brewery. What would have made your list?